USA enter CC Meet QFs
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 16 2011:
AIM, Khabam paid dearly for apparent over-confidence by the coaching staff as substitution of some main players backfired when USA, Khabam rallied from a two goal deficit to eventually emerge victorious at 7-6 via the tie-breaker in today's pre-quarter final match of the 55th CC Meet football tournament at Mapal Kangjeibung.
In the quarter final clash USA will take on the reigning champions Lajong FC, Shillong.
The Khurai side, who will be featuring in the quarter final stage of the prestigious tournament for the first time ever, took the lead from a Lalzajou strike in the 15th minute which the rivals neutralised when L Gouro scored from a Rajesh Meitei essay in the 36th minute.
The change of ends saw AIM race to a 3-1 lead with M Roshan scoring only three minutes into play and Gouro converting a penalty award in the 57th minute.
While the two goal advantage remained unchanged till the 74th minute, substitution of Naoton, Herojit and Roshan provided a breather to USA, who reduced the score deficit through Thangkhosien (75th) and Haolengou Kipgen extended the match to the penalty shoot-out with an 85th minute equaliser.
Haolengou, Palmei Lanrailun, Thangkhosien and Lalzajou succeded for USA in the tie-breaker while N Rajesh, Santosh and Ngouba were the successful ones for AIM, for whom the first attempt by Gouro went wide.